In the far reaches of the Glory Continent, Dawn City gleamed like a radiant jewel, nestled within this mysterious land. A hub of intersecting powers and influences, it was the centre of countless struggles for dominance. Among these powers, the Victoria family stood as the brightest star.
One fateful day, at the gates of Dawn City, the guards' attention was drawn to a curious sight. An elderly servant, Benson, led a young boy of four towards the grand estate of the Victoria family. Benson's face was worn with exhaustion, his eyes burning with unyielding determination. The long journey had taken its toll on him, but his resolve remained steadfast.
Arriving at the gates of the estate, Benson requested an audience with the family head, Duke Arthur. The guards, sceptical and hesitant, were about to turn him away when Alfred, the family's imposing butler, appeared. Tall and dignified, clad in an ornate uniform, Alfred exuded both elegance and authority. His piercing gaze examined Benson and the child closely as he inquired about their purpose. Benson spoke earnestly of the boy's extraordinary potential, though he admitted he knew little of the child's origins. He firmly believed, however, that the boy carried a remarkable destiny. After a moment's deliberation, Alfred decided to escort them to see Duke Arthur.
In the opulent reception hall, Duke Arthur sat regally at the head of the room. His commanding presence was matched by his sharp, intelligent eyes. When Benson stepped forward with the child, the boy raised his head, meeting the duke's gaze with eyes that were clear yet filled with unshakable resolve. A sudden intuition stirred within Duke Arthur—a sense that this child held the future of the family in his hands. Trusting this instinct, he chose to take the boy in, naming him Solomon.
Within the Glory Continent's cultivation system, the Body Tempering Realm was the foundation of all training, marking the start of one's journey. This stage consisted of ten levels, each honing the physical body—skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and marrow. A child who achieved the first level, the Skin Tempering Stage, by the age of ten was considered gifted. Breaking through to the third level, Flesh Tempering, at that age marked one as a once-in-a-century prodigy. In Dragonlight City, where the Victoria family resided, such talents were highly prized, given the fierce competition for resources and influence.
For young Solomon, arriving at the Victoria estate was both fascinating and unsettling. The grand manor, with its sprawling gardens and fragrant exotic plants, captivated his senses, while the shouts of training family members echoed from the sparring grounds. Despite his initial unease, Solomon quickly revealed his sharp wit and quiet courage. Undaunted by the scrutinising stares of older family members, he approached them with confidence, his maturity well beyond his years. When mocked for his unknown origins, Solomon stood firm, responding with unwavering determination. His natural confidence left his detractors both silenced and awed.
But peace was short-lived. Within the family, Elder Claude—a figure of considerable authority with a cold and steely demeanour—emerged as a vocal critic. With his sharp gaze and snow-white hair, Elder Claude carried an air of formidable power, making his opposition to Solomon all the more daunting. He argued that the boy's mysterious background posed a grave risk to the family, calling for his expulsion. His proposal caused a ripple of unrest throughout the household.
Some who had initially shown Solomon kindness grew distant under Elder Claude's influence, leaving the boy increasingly isolated. Yet, rather than despair, Solomon resolved to prove his worth and secure his place within the family.
Weighing the arguments, Duke Arthur decided to give Solomon a chance. He declared that the boy would undergo a family trial. If Solomon could demonstrate exceptional talent and potential within a year, he would be formally accepted into the family; failure, however, would mean exile.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Solomon threw himself into his training. In the family's vast library, he pored over ancient tomes, tirelessly searching for ways to improve himself. It was during one such night of study that he stumbled upon a dusty old book. The text contained cryptic cultivation techniques and magical insights that seemed to echo the essence of the Sacred Dharma, a mysterious force tied to legends of unparalleled power. Solomon sensed that this discovery could be the key to unlocking his potential.
As Solomon focused on his training, a shadowy figure began to linger near the estate. Clad in a black cloak with a hood that obscured their face, this enigmatic presence often watched Solomon's training grounds, their eyes glinting with a strange, unreadable light. Who was this figure? And what connection did they have to Solomon's destiny? These questions loomed like a shroud of mist, veiling the path that lay ahead for the young boy.